The bare-necked fruitcrow is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae, the cotingas. It is found in every mainland South American country except Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield, northern South America
Typical Environment
This species occurs widely across lowland tropical forests of Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, eastern Ecuador and Peru, and northern Bolivia. It favors humid evergreen forest, including terra firme and seasonally flooded várzea, as well as forest edges and river corridors. Birds are most often seen in the mid to upper canopy, where they move between fruiting trees. It is absent from the southern cone countries such as Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bare-necked fruitcrow is a striking cotinga with a largely naked, bluish throat and neck that males can inflate during display. It spends most of its time high in the canopy, often at fruiting trees, and plays an important role in seed dispersal. Despite its dramatic appearance, it is often quiet and can be overlooked in dense foliage.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct bursts between canopy trees
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in small, loose groups at fruiting trees, sometimes associating with mixed-species canopy flocks. Males display by perching conspicuously and inflating the bare throat skin. Nesting occurs high in the canopy; the nest is a shallow platform where the female likely undertakes most incubation. Pairs or small groups may defend a favored feeding area but are generally tolerant of conspecifics.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include harsh croaks, grunts, and rattling calls delivered from exposed perches. Displaying males may give low, resonant notes that carry through the forest. Overall it is not a persistent singer, calling most around feeding or display periods.
Plumage
Male is glossy black with a largely bare, bluish throat and upper neck, sometimes forming an inflatable wattle; feathers can appear slightly shaggy around the neck. Female is darker brownish-black with less conspicuous bare skin and a duller overall sheen.
Diet
Primarily consumes soft fruits and berries, especially figs and other canopy fruits, swallowing them whole and later regurgitating seeds. It is an important seed disperser for many tropical trees. Occasionally it may take large insects or other arthropods, but animal prey is a minor component.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid to upper canopy at fruiting trees, including along forest edges and river margins. It often moves methodically between fruit sources, pausing to perch conspicuously before crossing gaps.
